Taxco is a well-preserved colonial silver-mining town in the state of Guerrero, perched dramatically on a hillside at approximately 1,800 metres elevation, around 185 km south of Mexico City. Flecha Roja and Estrella de Oro operate direct bus services from Terminal Sur (Metro Tasqueña, Line 2) with fares approximately MX$250–350 each way; the journey takes about three hours via the México-Cuernavaca-Taxco toll road. The town's steep cobblestone streets are navigated on foot or by local moto-taxis, which operate throughout the centre for MX$15–25 per ride. Taxco has been synonymous with silver since the 18th century, when silver magnate José de la Borda funded the construction of the Iglesia de Santa Prisca. Completed in 1758, the church stands in the main Zócalo and represents one of Mexico's finest examples of Churrigueresque Baroque architecture, with an ornate carved stone facade and twin bell towers visible from throughout the town. The interior retablos (gilded altarpieces) are among the most elaborate in the country; entry is free. The surrounding streets are dense with silver talleres (workshops) and jewellery boutiques. Hundreds of smiths produce pieces ranging from pre-Hispanic-inspired ornaments to contemporary jewellery. Buying directly from taller showrooms — identifiable by the Taxco Silver Guild star trademark on displayed pieces — offers significantly better prices than tourist-facing shops clustered near the Zócalo. Prices are quoted in pesos and vary by weight and workmanship; sterling silver at 92.5% purity is the standard for quality items. The Mina el Bordo museum, a short walk from the centre, offers guided tours through partially restored colonial mine shafts and exhibits on the silver industry. The Museo de la Platería at Casa Borda on the main square documents Taxco's silversmithing history with artefacts and period pieces. Morning hours are best for exploring the town: the steep streets are cooler before noon and Santa Prisca is less crowded. The afternoon suits taller browsing and the Mercado de Artesanías behind the Zócalo, where silver and crafts from across Guerrero are sold alongside street food. The dry season from October through April offers the most comfortable conditions on the steep cobblestone terrain.
How to get there
- Flecha Roja bus from Terminal Sur
- Estrella de Oro bus
Highlights
- Silver jewellery workshops and markets
- Santa Prisca baroque cathedral
- Steep cobblestone streets
- Mine museum (Mina el Bordo)
Tips for visiting
- Buy silver directly from talleres (workshops) marked with the Taxco Silver Guild star — prices are typically 20–40% lower than tourist shops around the Zócalo.
- Wear flat, rubber-soled shoes; the steep cobblestone streets are treacherous in sandals or smooth-soled footwear, especially when wet.
- Book the return bus at the Taxco terminal before exploring the town — seats on direct Flecha Roja services to Mexico City fill by mid-afternoon on weekends.
- Moto-taxis are the local solution for navigating the steep streets; fares within town are MX$15–25 and drivers know all the major workshops.
- The Iglesia de Santa Prisca is most photogenic at late afternoon golden hour when the sun illuminates the carved stone facade from the west.
- The November Feria Nacional de la Plata (National Silver Fair) draws the largest silver market of the year but transport and accommodation sell out weeks in advance.
When to visit
October through April during the dry season offers the most comfortable conditions for Taxco's steep cobblestone streets. The November Feria Nacional de la Plata is the most lively period but requires advance booking for transport and lodging.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Taxco from Mexico City?
Flecha Roja and Estrella de Oro operate buses from Terminal Sur (Metro Tasqueña, Line 2). The journey takes approximately three hours and fares are around MX$250–350 each way. Driving via the México-Cuernavaca-Taxco toll road takes a similar time.
Is Taxco's silver jewellery genuine?
Taxco has a long and regulated silversmithing tradition. Pieces bearing the Taxco Silver Guild star trademark are made locally to regulated purity standards. Buying from established talleres rather than street stalls reduces the risk of purchasing plated or low-purity items. Sterling silver at 92.5% purity is the benchmark for quality pieces.
Is Taxco accessible on foot?
The historic centre is walkable but the streets are very steep and entirely cobblestone. Comfortable flat shoes with grip are essential. Moto-taxis (MX$15–25) are widely used for moving between distant parts of town. Wheelchairs and pushchairs face significant challenges on the terrain.
How long does a day trip to Taxco take?
The bus journey is approximately three hours each way, so a day trip requires an early departure (around 7–8 am from Terminal Sur) and a return by early evening. This allows 4–5 hours in town — enough to visit Santa Prisca, browse talleres, and see the Mina el Bordo museum.
What is the Feria Nacional de la Plata?
The Feria Nacional de la Plata is Taxco's annual national silver fair, held each November. It is the largest silver market event in Mexico, bringing hundreds of silversmiths and artisans together. The town fills significantly during this period and accommodation and bus tickets should be booked well in advance.